Theoretical astrophysics and plasma physics at RPC

Abstract:

We present three-dimensional Dedalus simulations of Rayleigh–Bénard convection with a blackbody-radiating free upper surface, subject to a low-amplitude oscillatory forcing that mimics tidal perturbations in convective envelopes of stars and planets. The forcing period is 10–100 times shorter than the convective time-scale, . Using a Reynolds decomposition of the velocity field averaged over one oscillation period, in which the tidal oscillations naturally constitute the fluctuating field and convection the mean flow, we elucidate the kinetic energy exchange between the two. Provided the oscillatory Reynolds number exceeds a modest threshold, we find that the oscillations systematically transfer kinetic energy to the mean flow at a volume-averaged rate , where is the rms fluctuation velocity. This reflects strong, order-unity correlations between the fluctuation velocities and the mean flow. These arise because the oscillatory forcing displaces fluid elements that are then redirected by buoyancy and incompressibility in the same manner as the mean flow. The transfer is dominated by correlations involving vertical velocity fluctuations and vertical gradients of the mean flow. The resulting energy transfer rate is consistent, within the equilibrium-tide framework, with the observed tidal circularization of solar-type binaries and with the orbital evolution of moons of Jupiter and Saturn. This validates the formalism proposed by C. Terquem (2021) for the dissipation of fast tides, a long-standing problem. Replacing the free surface with a rigid upper boundary significantly and artificially modifies the correlations.

Abstract:

Galaxy models comprising several components (including dark matter) that are bound by the self-consistently generated gravitational field are readily constructed from distribution functions (DFs) that are analytic functions of the action integrals . We explain why such models have unphysical velocity distributions unless the DFs of hot components satisfy certain conditions as . We show how DFs for both isotropic and radially biased spherical systems can be constructed with specified . We show how to construct DFs for flattened systems with significant velocity anisotropy. Construction of self-consistent models rather than populations that are confined by an external potential leads to the conclusion that radially-biased spherical systems are generically unstable to quadrupolar perturbations. Chaos is likely key to maintenance of these constraints during adiabatic disc growth. If the DFs of dark haloes are radially biased, as simulations of cosmic clustering suggest, then models presented here suggest that dark haloes should be significantly oblate.

Abstract:

Pair-instability should prevent the direct formation of black holes above about 50M⊙ creating a “pair-instability” mass gap. Yet gravitational-wave obser vations have detected black holes in this mass range. These systems can be explained with uncertainties in massive-star evolution, or hierarchical mergers in stellar clusters, which are expected to produce large spins with isotropic orien tations. Here we present evidence for the pair-instability mass gap in the LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA fourth transient catalog, with a lower edge at 44.3 +5.9 −3.5 M⊙. We also obtain a measurement of the 12C(α, γ) 35 16O reaction rate, yielding an Sfactor of 268+195 −116 keV b, a parameter critical for modeling helium burning and stellar evolution. The data reveal two populations: a low-spin group with no black holes above the gap, and a high-spin, isotropic group that extends across the full mass range and occupies the gap, consistent with hierarchical mergers. These findings are consistent with pair-instability playing a role in shaping the black hole mass spectrum, point to a connection between gravitational wave astronomy and nuclear astrophysics, and highlight dense stellar clusters as key environments in the growth of black holes.

Abstract:

Abstract Pair instability should prevent the direct formation of black holes above about 50  M ⊙ , creating a ‘pair-instability’ mass gap. Yet gravitational-wave observations have detected black holes in this mass range. These systems can be explained with uncertainties in massive-star evolution, or hierarchical mergers in stellar clusters, which are expected to produce large spins with isotropic orientations. Here we present evidence for the pair-instability mass gap in the LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA fourth transient catalogue, with a lower edge at $$44.{3}_{-3.5}^{+5.9}\,{M}_{\odot }$$ 44 . 3 − 3.5 + 5.9 M ⊙ . We also obtain a measurement of the 12 C(α, γ) 16 O reaction rate, yielding an S -factor of $$26{8}_{-116}^{+195}\,{\rm{keV\; b}}$$ 26 8 − 116 + 195 keV b , a parameter critical for modelling helium burning and stellar evolution. The data reveal two populations: a low-spin group with no black holes above the gap, and a high-spin, isotropic group that extends across the full mass range and occupies the gap, consistent with hierarchical mergers. These findings are consistent with pair instability playing a role in shaping the black hole mass spectrum, point to a connection between gravitational-wave astronomy and nuclear astrophysics, and highlight dense stellar clusters as key environments in the growth of black holes.